This week, standing with representatives of the Federal Trade Commission, I announced three new actions in Florida to shut down tech support scams targeting consumers nationwide. We are teaming up with our federal partners to combat tech support scams and warn consumers about the dangers associated with the scams.

The scam typically begins with a pop-up ad claiming a computer is infected with a virus. The ads urge users to call a tech support specialist and provide a phone number. Once the victim calls, the scammer instructs the user through a series of commands to give them virtual control over the victim’s computer. With remote access, scammers can install malware, steal passwords or access financial accounts.

Mostly, the scammers claim to fix the nonexistent problem, charge the user a few hundred dollars and set up monthly tech support payments. Often the victim thanks the scammer for fixing the problem—not realizing they were just swindled.

In Florida we are fighting these tech support scammers every day—and we have had a lot of success. My office has more filed cases against these types of scams than any other state agency in the country.

If you or someone you know has received one of these solicitations, record the name, number and any other pertinent information associated with the solicitation. Then call my office at (866) 9NO-SCAM. Knowing what to look for, reporting suspicious solicitations and working together we can stop scammers targeting Floridians.

Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution secured the conviction of three Immokalee men, also known as the ninja robbers, in connection to a home invasion robbery and an attempt at a second home invasion. After a two-week trial involving charges including home invasion robbery, kidnapping, carjacking with a firearm and armed burglary of a conveyance, an Orange County jury found Henry Contreras, 51, his son Johnathan Contreras, 30, and Andres Perez, 47, guilty of all charges. More.

Attorney General Bondi Recognizes Older Americans Month

In recognition of Older Americans Month, Attorney General Pam Bondi is highlighting her consumer protection guide for seniors. The Savvy Consumers Can Stop Fraud: A Guide for Seniors provides tips to help seniors recognize common scams and avoid deceptive business practices.

“Senior citizens are often targets of deceptive and unfair trade practices and that is why we issue a guide to help protect against common scams that target older consumers,” said Attorney General Bondi. “In recognition of National Older Americans Month, I encourage all consumers to read our guide to learn how to safeguard yourself and older family members against scams.” More.

Events

Attorney General Pam Bondi with WMBB anchor Amy Hoyt discussing efforts to combat drug abuse and human trafficking in Florida and across the country. To view the interview, click here.

Attorney General Bondi standing with Carolyn Aronson, who shared her experience with tech support scams at a joint news conference with the Federal Trade Commission. Carolyn is a 74-year-old woman from Tennessee who fell victim to tech support scams. Attorney General Bondi thanks Carolyn for sharing her experience and helping warn consumers about the scams.

The Florida Commission on the Status of Women announced the top 10 finalists for the 2017 Florida Women’s Hall of Fame. This year marks the 35th year of the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame. Governor Rick Scott will soon select up to three finalists for the 2017 induction into the Hall of Fame, which recognizes and honors women who have made significant contributions to the improvement of life for women and for all Floridians. This year’s inductees will be honored at a ceremony on Sept. 27, 2017 in Orlando. More.

In acknowledgement of Public Service Recognition Week, Attorney General Bondi is thanking all those in public service for their hard work and dedication every day to make a difference for Floridians.

Attorney General Bondi will be convening the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking in Tampa next week on Tuesday. To view the meeting agenda, click here.